How to Donate Personal Protective Equipment to Health Care Workers In Need

As part of NYSUT’s response to COVID-19, we are encouraging those who can donate personal protective equipment to do so. Many of us may have access to personal protective equipment either in science labs at your school or university or through a personal connection. We hope you find this guidance useful as you embark on collecting and donating these very much needed pieces of equipment. 

Building the plane as it flies: A thank you to educators in a time of crisis

What college or professional-development course could have ever prepared us for what we are dealing with right now?" asks New York State Teacher of the Year Rachel Murat. "The circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have challenged us in so many ways we never could have imagined. And yet, we are rising to the challenge and beyond."

Teamwork keeps food flowing for students, families in Chatham

Darci Ordway, president of the 50-member Chatham Central School District Transportation, said her union members are delivering food to any family that has requested assistance. Initially, deliveries were to students on the free and reduced lunch program, but as more requests come in regularly to the district, they are all being met, she said.

NYSUT extends a helping hand to retirees

“It felt nice to have the union check in, to know you were on someone’s radar. I’m fortunate that I’m not alone, but many retirees are,” said Carol Davis, a Mechanicville Teachers Association retiree. “Having someone reach out is a wonderful gift.”

Feeding the community: In Rondout Valley, it takes a union

Not only is it full steam ahead, but it’s full team ahead for hundreds of teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, aides and clerical staff in Rondout Valley who are joining together each day to make sure their students and families are fed while school is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Video: A Message from Andy Pallotta

"This crisis shows the vital role public schools, higher education and health care institution play in communities throughout New York State," says NYSUT President Andy Pallotta.

Watervliet educators live up to their 'We Care' T-shirts

Delivering meals to needy families and beaming into students' homes with storybook readings and “dance parties,” NYSUT members are stepping up in extraordinary ways to reach out to students during this time of crisis.

SRP members deliver in Alden

In the wake of the Alden Central School District’s emergency closing last week, district officials needed to connect their nearly 1,700 students with the school supplies they needed for at-home study. They devised a unique solution.

Union nurses are on the front lines keeping patients and members safe and informed

A depletion of masks, and finding enough beds to isolate those with coronavirus has hospital nurses with the Federation of Nurses/UFT working stridently to care for patients and be sure they are protected as well.

Epidemic presents myriad issues for higher education

The PSC, UUP and NYSUT local unions at community colleges all over the state are scrambling to prepare and respond. It gets very complicated very quickly.

Thank You to Our Higher Education Members!

Your sisters and brothers in the statewide union applaud you for working together to stand up to the challenge of COVID-19.

NYSUT Strong! Our members are rising to meet the challenge of the coronavirus crisis

We are union. We are strong. Thank you to the many, hardworking NYSUT members who are rising to meet the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic - and thank you for sharing your stories here. Keep them coming!